Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a stark contrast between romantic failure and physical exhilaration. The opening lines establish a simple, almost fatalistic rule: "When love goes wrong, Nothing goes right." This sets a somber mood, suggesting a domino effect where personal happiness is entirely dependent on romantic success. The narrator then observes a specific, gendered reaction to this romantic failure: "A man takes flight / And women get uppity-oh." This implies a predictable, perhaps even cynical, human response to heartbreak.
Suddenly, the tone shifts dramatically with the introduction of "a heat wave." This "tropical heat wave" isn't just weather; it's a metaphor for intense, perhaps sexual, energy. The narrator claims to have "started a heatwave / By letting my seat wave." This suggests a performance, likely a dance, where the physical movement is so potent it generates this overwhelming heat. The reaction from "customers" who exclaim "That I certainly can, can-can!" points to a cabaret or burlesque setting, where a dancer's provocative performance is met with enthusiastic approval.
The lyrics then directly link this physical performance to a rise in temperature, specifically mentioning "Her anatomy / Makes the mercury / Rise! to ninety three." This is a clear, albeit playful, assertion that the dancer's body and movements are the direct cause of the extreme heat. The repetition of "I certainly can" reinforces the narrator's confidence and ability to command attention and generate this powerful, physical response, especially when contrasted with the earlier helplessness described in failed romance. The song suggests that while romantic love might be unpredictable and lead to despair, physical expression and performance offer a tangible, controllable source of power and excitement.
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